Missoula Drunk Driver Caught Going 104 MPH, 5th DUI Arrest

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On January 31, 2024, a Montana Highway Patrol Trooper was traveling west on Interstate 90 near mile marker 92 and observed a vehicle accelerating rapidly. The trooper activated his front radar and confirmed that the vehicle was traveling 104 MPH in an 80 MPH zone.

As the trooper gained on the vehicle, the driver switched lanes with a quick, jerk-like maneuver. The trooper activated his emergency lights and conducted a stop of the vehicle. According to court documents, the registration of the vehicle expired on August 31, 2023, and had not been renewed.

The driver was identified as 55-year-old George Allen Hayes. The trooper noticed Hayes had a dazed expression, bloodshot eyes, and exhibited a strong scent of consumed alcoholic beverage. The trooper told Hayes to exit the vehicle and walk towards his patrol car. As Hayes did so, he was unsteady on his feet and appeared to struggle with his balance. Hayes stated that he had consumed one BuzzBall, which the trooper knew was an alcoholic beverage.

The trooper administered Standardized Field Sobriety Tests and Hayes exhibited 13 out of 18 clues of impairment. The trooper placed Hayes under arrest and Hayes refused to provide a breath or blood sample. The trooper applied for and was granted a search warrant for a sample of Hayes’ blood. Hayes was then transported to St. Patrick’s Hospital for a blood draw that was successfully administered.

While leaving the hospital, and unsolicited, Hayes asked the trooper if the marijuana he had smoked at around 2:00 PM would have shown up on a breath test. Hayes is currently being charged with felony DUI, speeding, and operating a motor vehicle with expired registration. A review of Hayes’ criminal history indicates that he has four previous DUI convictions.

The information in this article was obtained from sources that are publicly viewable.